PRIMARY HYDATID CYST OF THE THYROID GLAND: A RARE CASE REPORT youseffy@hotmail.com

PW06-12

PRIMARY HYDATID CYST OF THE THYROID GLAND: A RARE CASE REPORT

4

 

 

 

 

Namibia

Oral or Poster

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, commonly affecting the liver and lungs. In endemic regions like Namibia, occasional extrahepatic cases occur, yet primary thyroid involvement remains extremely rare. This report presents a case of a primary hydatid cyst in the thyroid gland of a 16-year-old female.

A 16-year-old patient presented with a painless right-sided neck mass and mild dysphagia. Physical examination revealed a smooth, mobile cyst over the right thyroid lobe. Ultrasound confirmed a well-defined, benign cystic lesion (40×35×24 mm) in the right thyroid. Thyroid function was normal. A right lobectomy was performed due to compressive symptoms. Histopathology confirmed a hydatid cyst with the classical three-layered structure and presence of protoscoleces. Post-operative CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis ruled out other cystic involvement.

Histological analysis revealed laminated and germinal layers with protoscoleces, consistent with cystic echinococcosis. There was no evidence of hepatic or pulmonary involvement, supporting a diagnosis of primary thyroid hydatid disease. The patient’s post-operative course was uneventful.

This case highlights a rare presentation of hydatid disease localized to the thyroid in an otherwise healthy adolescent. In endemic areas, echinococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic neck masses. Early surgical intervention with histopathological confirmation is crucial. Routine screening and awareness are essential for timely diagnosis and management in endemic regions.